Category: Under $50 Gimmes

Dapplebay has updated their lifestyle collection with new Fall inspired pieces. I was lucky enough to get my hands on some of the everyday horse girl pieces and wanted to share them with you. Use code HORSEGLAM10 to get 10% off your purchase for a limited time this holiday season.

When the cropped trend began, I thought it was cute but I really didn’t anticipate wearing the look as much as I have been. It is pretty hard to ignore how comfortable these hoodies are though. They are lined with fleece and the dropped shoulder with longer sleeves feels like you are snuggled in a blanket. The raw hemline makes it seem like you aren’t trying, a facade that I dig. The flowy, cropped t-shirt material is just as comfy – it feels like satin against your skin. I loved the color of this one pictured!

The “Dream Chaser” t-shirt is one of my fall favorites as I cannot have too many long sleeves this time of year. The fit is tailored so it is easy to wear alone or underneath something else, like the cropped sweatshirt. I am a firm believer in layering when the temperatures drop! I also appreciate that the design is on the back. It’s more subtle. Sometimes I feel like big designs on the front of a shirt can be obnoxious.

The bomber jacket was really popular on my Instagram feed. The fit is more of a boyfriend style, which is perfect for equestrian needs as it fits easily over your clothes to keep you warm while at the barn. Ribbed sleeves, waistband and crewneck areas finish the look.

Visit DappleBay to see more of these looks Don’t forget the HORSEGLAM10 code!

Oops, we did it again! I teamed up with a new set of influencer friends for the 2019 Horse Glam + Friends Holiday Gift Guide. Together we came up with ideas for your own personal wishlist, as well as some great gift giving ideas for those special peeps in your life. Scroll through the pages below and if you see something that interests you, click anywhere on the page and you will be re-directed to the brand’s website. If there are multiple brands listed on one page, click the links at the bottom of that page to jump to the respective websites. As always, thank you for following me on my Horse Glam journey! Happiest of holidays! xo Andrea and Chloe (and Ham)

When I was asked to do a blog review on The Height of the Storm, the third book in The Triple Crown Trilogyby Kimberly Campbell, I thought I would be able to read the book and write a review. I read the book summary and found myself interested, despite the book being classified as “YA” or Young Adult. It had all the elements I look for in a good book: a tragedy, relatable family drama and well, horses. To better educate myself on the whole picture, I read the summaries of the first two books, The Calm Before the Storm and The Eye of the Storm. I suddenly found that I was invested in the storyline. I wanted to read more about how the universe first aligned Genuine Storm, a horse that needed a second chance at life, with Charlie, a widowed mom of two young kids who found herself starting over whether she was ready to or not. The Height of the Storm begins right after long-shot Genuine Storm has two back-to-back wins at the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Weeks before the last leg of the Triple Crown, the stable suffers a devastating fire where much is lost, secrets are unraveled and relationships are broken. The third book centers around whether the group can rally together to clench the first Triple Crown win in thirty-seven years.

Like I said, after reading the official summaries of each book, I felt I was invested in the storyline and I wanted to know more about all the characters and read about their path to the Kentucky Derby. I knew I had to start at the beginning with The Calm Before the Storm. Luckily all the books are available on Amazon so it won’t be too difficult to catch up. In the meantime, I thought it would be a great opportunity to interview Kimberly Campbell about the Series and her own personal connection with Thoroughbreds.

HG: Thanks so much Kimberly for chatting with me. I loved the Thoroughbred Series as a kid and I feel like The Triple Crown Trilogy is an adult version of those, so I am really looking forward to reading the books! I learned that you have always had a soft spot for Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and have given a forever home to many retired OTTBs. Can you tell me about your first OTTB?

KC: My love for the Thoroughbred started when I was a teenager, when I got my first Thoroughbred off the track. Smokey was grey, hence my love for a grey horse, and was quite the character. He would stand in the middle of the field gazing around at the horses pleasantly eating around him and decide it was time to rile the rest of the herd up and start chasing them around. He wasn’t the easiest to ride and was quite uncomfortable, but he would do whatever I asked, including jump as high as I could stomach. And as a young kid, I thought I could jump the moon! The thoroughbred has a heart and mind that I don’t think you find in other breeds, they will try to do the best they can and they certainly know how to exhibit enthusiasm when they are successful!

HG: Many rescued OTTB stories have left scars in my mind and I am sure you know firsthand how people in the industry can cast the “old” racehorses or the “losers” aside. Is it sometimes hard to still love the sport knowing the things you know or do you think the industry unfairly gets a bad reputation?

KC: I try and look at things from an outside perspective. The racing industry is at a cross-roads and at times is losing public interest due to mis-communication and mis-understanding. I think it would be best served by talking in layman terms to the general public so they can understand why certain things are the way they are. There are extremes in all sports and I think with social media and everyone being able to put their opinion out for all to read, things can get misconstrued. The industry needs to be more relatable to the average person – sometimes all people see on TV or read about is the wealth owners and trainers that are involved in the Triple Crown races. What about following a one-racehorse owner like me and focus on all the tidbits I am learning about as I try to understand the industry better?

HG: Have you ever owned an active racehorse? Can you describe the amount of, and intensity of, training that it takes to be competitive?

KC: My first and only racehorse is Height of the Storm, named after my third book. I purchased her as a yearling in early 2017 with dreams of her racing career coinciding with my books and dreams of reaching the Kentucky Derby. It was not to be, but it has been a whirlwind of fun. Storm is definitely a competitor, but she got really sick and almost died right before she was going to run in her first race as a two-year old. A team of great doctors at the equine hospital nursed her back to health, but they weren’t sure she would get back to the track. After six months of rehab and weight gain, she returned to the track and continued her path to her first race. To date, her best finish was a second at Pimlico, a few weeks after the Preakness. It was exciting to watch her come down the homestretch where so many great racehorses have run with the tents in the infield as the backdrop.

My trainer does a great job with Storm, but he is also educating me on what level races she could be successful at. Since her second place finish, Storm usually finishes mid-herd. She is a consistent runner, but doesn’t exhibit that “kick” to finish strong. There is so much that goes into getting a horse to the race, both physically and mentally. You also need to figure out what surface they like to run on, dirt or turf, as well as what would be the best distance.

Given that I don’t want to risk Storm getting claimed, our race options for her are limited. The majority of the races at the track are different levels of claiming races, where horses have the potential to change hands, and you can’t prevent it. Although I have been told the risk is small, I couldn’t stomach putting Storm in a claiming race and having someone claim her away from me. Although the competing argument is that these races would be a better match for her potential and get her in a winning mindset – hence the mental side of preparing a horse to race. They do know when they win. Right now she is quite comfortable with finishing with her friends around her.

I will give her another race this year and then give her a few months off at a farm to continue to mature and develop physically. Then, if as a four-year-old she doesn’t succeed, then I will find a new job for her such as being a show horse. Storm will always have a home with me.

HG: What do you think it would be like to sit in the owner’s box of the Kentucky Derby? Would you be able to enjoy it or be wrecked with nerves? I think I would be bouncing back between those two emotions!

KC: Oh boy, that would be the best! I was fortunate to be invited into the Paddock of this past Kentucky Derby for a race earlier in the day and it was such a treat. No matter what, my mind would be on having a safe trip – which I say to Storm’s jockey every time they get up on her for a race. Believe me, watching your horse run down the homestretch at Laurel Park is just as exciting as watching the horses come down the stretch at Churchill Downs. The one emotion I look forward to experiencing is coming in first – it wouldn’t matter what track I was at.

HG: Did you ever anticipate that you would be an author of an equestrian novel? What was the most challenging part of writing the last book, The Height of the Storm?

KC: Never in my life did I envision being a writer. I am an accountant by trade and have written the books in my “spare time” while managing several businesses and a houseful of kids and all their activities. But I was passionate about the topic and have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about each of the races, as well as meeting so many great people who provided me details that I have weaved into the story. There are so many people to thank for taking the time to answer my questions. Early on before the first book was written, there were the ones who helped me frame my ideas and storyline – from the receptionist at a breeding farm in Casanova, Virginia after the owner passed away to the owner breeder who introduced me to the details of Keeneland and its historic auction to the historian at Sagamore Farm outside of Baltimore. And then subsequently, the tours of Pimlico and Belmont by individuals willing to hear what I was trying to write about, introductions to vets that specialized in various aspects that I incorporated into the books, along with inspirational chats with industry insiders at various conferences I attended.

The challenge of writing book three was that I wasn’t sure where the story should go. When I started out writing the trilogy, I knew what the main topics and stories were going to be in Calm Before the Storm and Eye of the Storm. I didn’t have a strong sense of where I wanted the last book to go. My editor Lauren Kanne was instrumental in asking questions and helping with the research as we worked together to develop the last book and wrap up the storyline of each character.

HG: What’s next? Can we look forward to a new equestrian series from you or a potential spinoff series?

KC: I have been asked about more books and for now, my goal is to take a breather while my kids are still at home. I have one in college, one ready to head to college and my daughter is a freshman in high school. I have ideas on where I could go with follow on stories as I love educating myself as well as the reader in different areas of the horse industry. And maybe it just isn’t within horse racing, but maybe some of Storm’s offspring venture into other disciplines, like eventing or showjumping. I will have to see where my heart (and Storm, both fictional and real-life) takes me.

Thank you so much for answering my questions, Kimberly! Excited to see what is in store for you next!! Chloe votes that Storm’s offspring enter the showjumping stadium!

You might recall my post a few months ago about a company called myMareCo. myMareCo sells sweat wicking headbands that fit over your hairnet and under your helmet, designed to keep the sweat out of your eyes. They quickly became a barn favorite! For a quick refresh on this new company and to read my review of their headbands, follow the link HERE.

The initial launch of myMareCo came with 6 colors of headbands in varying solid and patterned colors. Since it was during the spring/summer, some of the colors were bright and cheery, like hot pink and a marbled purple. After a successful product launch, myMareCo is back with new color designs to choose from. Colors in this grouping range from warm solids to conservative patterns. I am more of a solid color kind of girl, but I do love the neutral undertones in the patterns. The hunter green solid is also one of my all time favorites. I think it really compliments both Chloe and Hamster!

It’s important to note that nothing about the size or fit has changed and the headbands can still be used for any athletic activity. You can also still purchase the original colors as well.

Saddlebox promises to be a box of happiness for your horse. Therefore, it was only natural that they asked me, Chloe, the world’s premiere horse blogger, to review their subscription box. After my minion, Andrea, opened the box for me (I’m all hooves), I got to work and quickly accessed the goods.

Noms. There were two bags of quality horse treats. TWO! And they were both full size bags – not the little sample bags that typically come in other boxes. Thanks to Saddlebox, Andrea’s tack trunk now has 1lb of bite-sized Apple Nuggets and her grooming tote is well stocked with Claeys peppermint candies. These treats are so delicious that I don’t mind doing 100 neck stretches for them.

Grooming. There were a few items in the box related to horse grooming. I am pretty clean most of the time, but have you seen some of those gross geldings? Yikes! I was happy to see the Epona grooming mitt in the box. Andrea misplaced my old one and these mitts are great for removing sweat marks. Not that I sweat of course. The mitts also help stimulate my natural sheen and can be used wet or dry. The box also came with a very soft palm-sized face brush made by Decker. I really appreciated this because I detest when Andrea uses a stiff brush on my face! Would she like me to use a stiff brush on her face? I don’t think so! A fancy (as far as hoof picks can be fancy) wooden hoof pick by Epona was also included. It has a leather tag that makes it easy to hang up in the grooming stall so that everyone has a hoof pick handy. Lastly, the Tough-1 Shedding Blade is sure to give Andrea delight this time of year, as my winter coat is in and the dull dander on my romp gives her heart palpitations.

Owner Gifts. Andrea is never going to purchase a subscription box that doesn’t benefit her in some way (hmph) so Saddlebox correctly assumed they have to include a few owner gifts in there. Heaven forbid that the majestic animal that carts you around weekly is pampered! Anyway, this box came with a horse patterned light weight scarf, which Andrea loved, and a decorative Western boot that would apparently (according to Andrea) look cute in a book case.

Details. For a one-time box the price is $45 total. Sign-up for 3 consecutive monthly boxes and the price drops to $40 total per box. For a year membership, the boxes decrease by 33%. I am not a mathematician but it sounds like a pretty good deal to me, if you like getting monthly surprises in the mail and you like giving back to your horse, the one that works tirelessly to carry you around and make it look effortless… 🙂

Sign up for your box here and it will ship for FREE, TODAY!!!! You heard that right. It ships today, and then each subsequent box will ship on the 15th of every month. And there are no shipping fees, ever! You’re welcome!

Have you ever been to a social gathering and wondered where the host or hostess found such fabulous serving pieces and home decor? Well, the secret is out. Vagabond House specializes in fine tableware, serveware and giftware. The pieces are stylish without sacrificing an ounce of tradition, and they seamlessly transition from casual to formal settings. Handcrafted from natural materials, with many touches of the highest quality pewter, almost every piece looks like a family heirloom… but one you are happy to inherit!

Be sure to take some time to explore Vagabond House in its entirety, but definitely don’t miss out on the new Equestrian Collection. Among other goodies, you will find pewter and wood serving trays, a stone and pewter sugar/creamer set, lots of pewter flatware, and a porcelain/pewter stirrup dessert stand. Seriously, if you can browse this Equestrian Collection and not feel like you want to host an afternoon tea (after a foxhunt in the English countryside) I will be impressed!

I like to host simple birthday parties or small get togethers, so for me, the cheese/dessert stand was perfect. This stand is made from hand-blown, sturdy glass with a horse bit attached to the glass top. A hand-crafted leather knob handle sits on top so you can easily move the glass dome without creating fingerprint smudges on the glass. In this particular set, there are three different heights to choose from. One stand is fun, but having two or more at staggered heights would also be eye catching.

Horse Bit Glass DomePC: Shannen Smyth Photography

The holidays are coming up which makes it a great time to update your dinerware and home decor. I know I am going to be ordering some special pieces for Thanksgiving from Vagabond House. The addition of the Equestrian Collection will make it hard to stop at just one item in my shopping cart!

Introducing Corro, a fresh new equestrian retailer and one-stop shop for all your horsey and stable needs. With fantastic customer service and goods promised “at the best prices guaranteed,” you might just have a new favorite online tack store. And honestly, it just feels good to shop somewhere different from the “big” guys, if you know what I mean!

The next show I am going to is in October and I plan to do a division on Hamster, as well as help groom for Charlottetowne Stable. At a big show, it is super easy to misplace things and feel disorganized by the 4th day, especially if everyone is sharing supplies! This time, I wanted to create my own Hamster-friendly show supplies in an effort to feel more organized and help calm my show nerves. Luckily, Corro was there to help me get started. The website was very easy to use and simple to search for specific items. I also saw new brands that I hadn’t heard of before and I really appreciated that. I sent a few questions to one of the shop consultants and she was quick to answer and offer suggestions. It really was a great first experience.

Hamster unboxing his show goodies from Corro!

Look inside my order and you can see that it is pretty diverse!

Jolly Stall Snack. Hamster is 5 and wants constant attention at his stall, especially at shows when there is extra aisle foot traffic. This Jolly Snack will hopefully make him more content having alone time!

To help brighten his light coat and enhance his dapples, I got the Vetrolin White ‘N Brite Shampoo. Don’t let the word “white” scare you, it works just as well on darker coats too, without bleaching them out.

My favorite tail detangler recently switched manufacturers, so I was up for trying a common barn favorite: Cowboy Magic Detangler & Shine. Poor Hamster’s tail needs all the help it can get!

Knotty Horse Apricot Oil Highlighting Coat Shine. Knotty Horse is a brand I am not familiar with but Corro had great things to say about them. I was looking for a finishing spray, something I could use as a groom minutes before show prep. I really look forward to giving this product a try on both Ham and Chloe. It will be interesting to see how it does on two different colored coats.

Sole Pack Medicated Hoof Packing. I probably should have gotten the individual use “paddies” for easier show use, but this large quantity is great to have on the trailer in case you need it. We have definitely been to a few show venues here in the South where the footing hasn’t been the best, so sometimes we have to stay ahead of potential sore feet.

Poor little Hamster was getting a rub from one of his older bell boots, so I thought these Centaur Fleece Cuff Bell Boots would do the trick and help prevent two things we definitely do not want to see at the horse show: an ugly rub and a missing shoe!

To keep tack and my tall boots looking show ready, Corro suggested the Effax Leather Combination Cleaner. I like it because it does not leave a greasy residue behind.

Hamster is not going to like this one, but the Slow Hay Feeder will help slow his hay chomping down and hopefully not only help the barn’s hay bill, but will also curb some of that stall boredom I referred to above.

Whether you ride English or Western, all of your horse and stable shopping needs are just a click away. Also worth noting is the guaranteed prices. If you find an item for cheaper elsewhere, they will match it or better. Corro also guarantees receipt of purchases within 5 business days and shipping is free when you spend over $99. In essence, your complete satisfication is guaranteed when you shop Corro.

If you are looking for casual clothing with an equestrian touch, or even an easy gift for your horsey friend, I am confident you can find what you are looking for at Dapplebay. Dapplebay has apparel and accessories that are fun, fresh and often sport a cute or witty equestrian theme. From cellphone cases to baseball hats, Dapplebay has got you covered.

I get so many comments about my Dapplebay iPhone case that says something we all have thought from one time or another: “I like horses not people.” Naturally I have the matching t-shirt which is a necessary staple for those rough Mondays! Dapplebay t-shirts come in slim cut and boyfriend tee styles, but I tend to gravitate to fits that are looser like the boyfriend t-shirts. They tuck in easily and I feel more comfortable with the extra material to spare, especially if I want to half tuck it in.

I Like Horses Not People, T-shirt and Cell CasePC: Shannen Smyth Photography

I am obsessed with my “Good Rides Only” cropped hooded sweatshirt (also comes in non-hooded option) and cannot wait for temperatures to dip lower in the fall so I can wear it weekly! To say it is soft and comfy is an understatement. The fleece interior, dropped shoulder and extra long arms are so cozy. I love the play on the popular saying “Good Vibes Only” too. If you like this phrase, you can find it on t-shirts here.

If you like my vintage black cotton twill hat, then be sure to visit this link where you can pick from numerous equestrian sayings. I loved the fit of this hat so much that I asked Dapplebay if I could get one that had Horse Glam on it! It fits low, relaxed and snug on my head.

Also worth mentioning is that Dapplebay has a NEW kids line, where most of the adult sized apparel is available in kids/youth, sizes 2-12. Leah was so nice to send Logan a t-shirt and she couldn’t wait to wear it to ride her first pony ever, Chase! When she saw that I had the matching t-shirt she about jumped for joy, it was so funny!

Thanks Dapplebay for giving us a sneak peak of your new lifestyle collection! Can’t wait to see what is next!

You will find face wipes in my bathroom, baby wipes in my car, and now, horse grooming wipes in my tack trunk. Baby wipes have always been part of my horse grooming routine, but NOW that Equi-Clean makes pre-moistened wipes in horse size, I only have to use one, instead of three regular-sized wipes per horse ear! It’s also nice to now know that I am using wipes on Chloe’s sensitive areas that are specifically designed with horses in mind and contain anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties to help prevent fungus on the face, legs and body. No harsh chemicals here. In fact, they are made with the following natural herbs: Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Comfrey, Lavender and Thyme. Of course Chloe’s wipes sound better than my own face wipes! Typical!

These wipes are not just for your horse’s eyes, ears and mouth, however. You can use them anywhere on your horse’s body that you want to remove dander, condition and create shine. Hence, cutting your grooming time down quite noticeably. In addition, the wipes are safe to use on your tack and riding boots (I didn’t hesitate to use them on my own Parlanti Boots). Because of this time and space saver, I took the package ring-side with me to our last horse show at Tyron International. As one of the show grooms, I was thankful that I did not have to lug around a stiff brush, wet towel and Show Sheen. Instead, I replaced the aforementioned items with my Equi-Clean Wipes.

At the horse show, I used the wipes when a horse was on deck. The wipes easily took care of any sweat marks, sandy legs, bit slobber, etc. The pre-moistened feature was a godsend for the rider’s tall boots, horse boots (if jumpers/eq) and sweaty reins/dirty bridles. It is also worth mentioning that one wipe not only could be used for multiple horses, but it also was so large that it stayed moistened for hours (note that I had the wipe in my tote, out of the direct sun).

This brings me to my next comment. When I first heard about Equi-Clean wipes, my first thought was “I wonder what makes this different than the generic baby wipes I am already using”. Besides being formulated for horses, the answer is the size! These wipes unfold to be about 10 times the size of a baby wipe, which makes sense since Chloe is 10 times the size of a toddler! And for those with dogs (and cats, if you have a death wish), these wipes can be used on all of our 4 legged friends, so you can toss your shampoos!

To scoop your very own horse-sized grooming wipes, you can click here. Priced currently at $24.95, each package contains 25 extra large wipes (23.5″ x 16″) that will last you multiple uses per wipe.

CODE: For 15% off these wipes and FREE shipping, use code: HORSEGLAM15 at checkout! Must order 2+ to get discount.

Pro-Tip: Place the wipes in a fridge or cooler and have a refreshing cleansing experience for your horse or you! Treat yo ‘self!

We have all wondered, and even joked, about what our horses would say if they could talk. I have a whole blog section called Chloe’s Chatter dedicated to giving Chloe a voice. As most suspect, that voice is arguably my sassy alter-ego. I think to some degree we all do this with our horses. Horses are our teammates and best confidants. They are partners who we have an intense working relationship with, and therefore it is easy to overly humanize them. It is easy to start envisioning their voices sounding similar to our own.

I have contacted Debbie McGillivray a few times over the last decade. The most recent time was about 5 years ago. Debbie is a real horse whisperer, using telepathy to communicate. She works countless hours a week taking phone calls from people all over the world who want to talk with their animals. She also has 3 books and conducts online workshops on the topic.

Like our past conversations, we started with what Chloe wanted to talk about. She complained about the “annoying horse” in the paddock adjacent to her (I witnessed and even took pictures of her a few hours earlier trying to bite him over the fence and herding her girlfriend away from him). She let me know that I spend too much time talking when I ride her (guilty as charged). She commented that a change to the hay was causing her stomach to feel very sensitive and gassy (I confirmed a recent hay change). During her body scan, Debbie noted 3 main issues (lower right side of the back, right hip and left shoulder) that match Chloe’s recent chiropractic chart. Debbie also mentioned that Chloe’s left front foot, for lack of a better phrase, dragged the ground. My farrier came out a week later and confirmed that was a common issue for her.

Knowing that I intended to blog about my conversation, I asked Debbie for something more from Chloe that would let me know she was really talking to her. I wanted to be able to show my husband and any “neigh” sayers that this was for real. I didn’t want anything that could be general to most horses. And this is where I think I let my over-humanization of Chloe cloud my judgment. In reality, I was looking for Debbie to come back with a personal story that only me and Chloe knew about. I basically wanted Chloe to tell me something like you see on a medium show – I wanted her to say, “Remember that time we were on a trail ride and you lost your keys when I spooked at the deer”? However, instead, these are the 3 things Chloe came back with.

Her left eye was watering and irritating and really bothering her. Like I previously mentioned, I was at the barn earlier that day. When I went out to give her treats with the kids, I noticed that her left eye (not her right) was really watering (it had the discharge half way down her face). I had my kids and I just didn’t have time or the ability to deal with it, but I vividly recalled it. However, I still wasn’t too impressed. After all, this wasn’t the smoking gun that I was looking for.

She said that her pasture-mate was very stiff and sore in her right hind hock. I have since confirmed this with my trainer and the owner of the mare, but at the time I had no knowledge of it. Again, it wasn’t what I was wanting to hear so I sort of dismissed it.

Lastly, Chloe referenced a big barn change. Debbie got the intense feeling that it was a horse that recently left. I had no idea what she meant. The last horse left months ago and I didn’t think Chloe had even ever noticed him to begin with. I thought perhaps she meant Stella, who had left on the trailer earlier that day for a day trip. However when I described Stella as a bay horse, Debbie said it wasn’t her. She continued to reference a big change in the barn and a horse leaving. I just had no clue what she was talking about and honestly was disappointed that after 10 years together this was the best that Chloe could do.

I cringe when I recall saying to Debbie, “Oh typical, Chloe. Not giving me what I want from her.” Looking back, with the new information gained just 15 minutes after my phone conversation with Chloe, and my taking the time to process everything, Chloe was giving me exactly what I was asking from her. I, as perhaps is typical, just wasn’t listening.

Like I mentioned earlier, I am guilty of humanizing Chloe. I want her to think like me. I wanted her to tell me a story. But at the end of the day, she is a horse. She can’t think in terms of stories or complex thoughts. She feels and thinks in the present. So when I asked her for proof, she gave me 3 things that were in the moment, things that if I were there I could verify. Her eye WAS watering, it was irritating to her in that exact moment. The horse who she was in the pasture with during my phone call, IS stiff and sore in her right hind hock. And unbeknownst to me, at the exact time of my phone call, there was a big change occurring in the barn. A horse did leave. A horse that was not a bay.

When I got off the phone, I immediately reached out to Jackie (trainer/friend) to let her know about my conversation. Jackie was emotional when I talked to her. Less than an hour earlier, at the exact moment of my 25 minute conversation with Debbie, a horse was put down after complications from a recent injury. After recovering from my initial sadness upon this news, the realization of what Chloe said really hit me. She was right. This was indeed a big change and someone did leave. It is a small barn, and the horse was arguably Jackie’s favorite, as well as the most successful of all our current show horses. He will truly be missed by all, and I am positive his loss is felt amongst the other horses.

So if you ask me how to talk to horses, I’d tell you that we all have the ability. Debbie’s books and workshops are geared to teaching you to communicate yourself, but if you want immediate answers from a professional, I would look no further than Debbie McGillivray. However, I think the biggest lesson gained from my recent conversation with Chloe is that perhaps talking to each other isn’t the answer. Maybe it is just as important to start listening.

You will find face wipes in my bathroom, baby wipes in my car, and now, horse grooming wipes in my tack trunk. Baby wipes have always been part of my horse grooming routine, but NOW that Equi-Clean makes pre-moistened wipes in horse size, I only have to use one, instead of three regular-sized wipes per horse ear! It’s also nice to now know that I am using wipes on Chloe’s sensitive areas that are specifically designed with horses in mind and contain anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties to help prevent fungus on the face, legs and body. No harsh chemicals here. In fact, they are made with the following natural herbs: Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Comfrey, Lavender and Thyme. Of course Chloe’s wipes sound better than my own face wipes! Typical!

These wipes are not just for your horse’s eyes, ears and mouth, however. You can use them anywhere on your horse’s body that you want to remove dander, condition and create shine. Hence, cutting your grooming time down quite noticeably. In addition, the wipes are safe to use on your tack and riding boots (I didn’t hesitate to use them on my own Parlanti Boots). Because of this time and space saver, I took the package ring-side with me to our last horse show at Tyron International. As one of the show grooms, I was thankful that I did not have to lug around a stiff brush, wet towel and Show Sheen. Instead, I replaced the aforementioned items with my Equi-Clean Wipes.

At the horse show, I used the wipes when a horse was on deck. The wipes easily took care of any sweat marks, sandy legs, bit slobber, etc. The pre-moistened feature was a godsend for the rider’s tall boots, horse boots (if jumpers/eq) and sweaty reins/dirty bridles. It is also worth mentioning that one wipe not only could be used for multiple horses, but it also was so large that it stayed moistened for hours (note that I had the wipe in my tote, out of the direct sun).

This brings me to my next comment. When I first heard about Equi-Clean wipes, my first thought was “I wonder what makes this different than the generic baby wipes I am already using”. Besides being formulated for horses, the answer is the size! These wipes unfold to be about 10 times the size of a baby wipe, which makes sense since Chloe is 10 times the size of a toddler! And for those with dogs (and cats, if you have a death wish), these wipes can be used on all of our 4 legged friends, so you can toss your shampoos!

To scoop your very own horse-sized grooming wipes, you can click here. Priced currently at $24.95, each package contains 25 extra large wipes (23.5″ x 16″) that will last you multiple uses per wipe.

CODE: For 15% off these wipes and FREE shipping, use code: HORSEGLAM15 at checkout! Must order 2+ to get discount.

Pro-Tip: Place the wipes in a fridge or cooler and have a refreshing cleansing experience for your horse or you! Treat yo ‘self!

We live in a world of texting, Facebook and FaceTime, but nothing beats receiving a letter in the mail. I know I am excited when I open the mailbox and see a handwritten personal envelope, addressed to me, buried in the mass of bills and junk mail. Oftentimes, when I receive products to review from equestrian brands, a handwritten note is in the package. I always enjoy that. It feels more special knowing someone took the time to draft the note. In the past, I have looked for stationery for Horse Glam to use primarily as thank you cards to send back to the brands. Basic Invite has two of the requirements on my stationery list: custom options (so that I can upload my logo) and gold foil. I LOVE gold anything! Furthermore, not only can I add my logo to the stationery, but with over 180 colors to select from, I can perfectly match my Horse Glam color scheme.

Chat box on far right!

There were tons of samples of stationery to choose from (and even MORE wedding related paper products, if you are in the market for that), but I found one (called “painted wash”) pretty quickly that complimented the subtle watercolor design scheme of one of my Horse Glam logo sub-marks. The “Painted Wash” also was the same ballet color pink as my logo. Naturally the design I liked was not one of the ones that you could upload your logo to, as I wanted to remove the “Hello” text and just put my logo in its place. However, within seconds of me browsing the site, a chat box had popped open asking if I needed help. I decided it couldn’t hurt to ask the question: “Could they add my logo for me, even though the product I wanted to add my logo to was pre-designed?” The online rep answered momentarily and led me through the process to do it. After two rounds of instantaneous previews, I was ready to see my sample product. Actually, it was better than that…I was ready to hold my sample product.

Basic Invite is one of the only websites that I have encountered that lets you order a printed sample of the actual invitation so you can see exactly how it will print (as well as the paper quality). This surely beats having 150 invites delivered to your house only to then discover that maybe you don’t like that hot pink font after all. My sample arrived within 10 days and it looked exactly like the online preview: it was perfect! I opted for just the plain white envelope but when I place my actual order I am going to take advantage of the over 40 colors of envelopes they have available.

I look forward to ordering my custom Horse Glam stationery from Basic Invite, especially now that I know it will turn out exactly how I wanted. If only ordering my wedding invites (12 years ago) was this easy!

To me, Father’s Day is a time when you can thank your dad for being supportive of you and your many endeavors. Chances are he could have purchased a sail boat if it weren’t for your pony, … then that other bigger pony, … and then that dream horse. So here’s to all those dads that support us crazy horse girls in our equestrian pursuits, whether that support is financial, mental or emotional, we cherish it all the same.

If your dad is a cool dad, or maybe you want him to be a cooler dad, this first item is for you. H.K. Lyons has designed the most rugged, handsome courier bag (can bags be handsome?) you can find. Made for any function: work, meetings, hiking, traveling…this bag can do it all in style. This is pricey at $268, but you only have one dad. And remember that last vet bill you forwarded? 🙂

You can’t beat the gift that keeps on giving! This equestrian print mini silk scarf from Donna Bernstein fits perfectly as a pocket square for your dad’s suit jacket. It also can be used as a neck tie or handbag accessory, just saying! Priced at $65.

This next gift option will make the idea of a long horse show more enticing for your dad. The Yeti Rambler (with Lid) easily fits in the hand and will keep your dad’s coffee piping hot or his adult beverage icy cold, depending on what time a day your division is. Perfect for all those times where you have to “hurry up…and wait”. Priced at under $20, which means you should scoop one for yourself too!

Looking for a more sentimental gift for your dad? How about this Minted personal photo calendar for his office, complete with 12 monthly pictures featuring you and your horse. Maybe pop a few pictures of you and your dad in there too, just to even things out.

Want to upgrade your dad’s kicks? These classic, equestrian inspired slip on boots from Ariat are just the ticket. These boots can easily be dressed up or down. They come in 3 different colors. Priced at $278, with free shipping.

This Custom Leather Catchall from Etsy is great for a jewelry, watch, and wallet. It also means your dad won’t misplace those things every other day! The leather and monogramming gives it an equestrian touch. Priced at $51.

Epic Horse Treats first contacted me about Chloe trying their handmade “superfood” animal treats. They are called “superfood” because the treats are made without any corn, wheat, soy, sugar, dyes, fillers or preservatives. Packed with vitamins, Omega 3-6-9, plant proteins and (healthy) plant fats, these treats are recommended for support of healthy joints, connective tissues, heart and brain function. Not only did Chloe’s eyes pop out of her head for these treats on the daily, but I felt good about her eating them. Sure, I think the decorative treats are so creative and they make fabulous gifts, but they aren’t treats I feel comfortable giving after every ride. Now if I could only do something about Chloe’s potato chip habit…

Soon my whole barn was consuming boxes of these superfood treats, each horse hooked just as much as the next. My mom’s dog was also into them, as was the barn farrier’s corgi who consumed half a box when I wasn’t paying attention. Epic’s treats are for almost all animals: donkeys, dogs, pigs and even chickens! They really are a treat for the whole barn. It wasn’t long before Epic expanded their treat line to carrying CBD infused treats, providing additional noticeable benefits, such as calming and anti-inflammation. Since they contain no THC, they meet all horse show regulations. These are great additions to your snack bin, perfect for nervous horses or anxious 4 legged car travelers.

The treats were my first experience with CBD products. I live in conservative North Carolina, and CBD shops are just now popping up in my area. When Epic branched out further from treats, into CBD salve and tonic sprays, I really did not know what to expect. Truthfully, I have never been so pleasantly surprised.

Organic Healing Salve: consistency of shea butter. SALE!

The organic healing salve can be used on horses. A quick smudge on the nostrils can help calm their anxiety. The smell is pretty strong, so don’t be surprised if you get a few lip curls. If your horse has shaved ears, you may want to apply it there. Honestly, I have used this product mostly in my own human household. One of my friends who also purchased the product said it best when she referred to the salve as “duct tape”. You really can use it on EVERY ache, pain or area of discomfort. It took me 15 minutes to be a believer in this product. Things it noticeably relieved: PMS cramps that woke me up in the middle of the night (sorry if TMI), pulled shoulder muscle from working out for the first time in months, my husband’s chronic knee ache, my family’s sinus pain and drainage issues from NC allergies, my neighbor’s back pain and head cold, and the list goes on. Duct tape, people, duct tape! It is pricy, I won’t disagree, but the jar is pretty big and the consistency is closer to shea butter, so a little goes a long way. It really is a fantastic product! UPDATE: SALE on SALVE going on NOW!

Believe it or not, I saved the best for last. This is my favorite item in my everyday routine HANDS DOWN. I love Epic’s Face and Body Tonic spray. It moisturizes, tightens, tones, brightens, plumps, highlights, and improves the texture of my skin. You can tell a slight difference in a matter of days, but give it a month and you will really notice a change. I am at two months and I swear it has made my skin look years younger. It also makes me happy, which is an actual side effect of the spray that I didn’t realize until another friend (and Face Tonic user) pointed it out to me. Every morning and every night, I spray this on my clean face and let it air dry. I then put my moisturizer or sunscreen, as applicable, right over it. I cannot imagine it not being part of my skincare routine and I am starting to have anxiety about it running out. I brought it with me to the horse shows and I am even bringing it to Mexico this coming week. I linked the 2 month supply because I really think it just keeps getting better and better each day, but there is also a cheaper 1 month supply option. If you are looking for a change in your beauty regimen or even something nice to do for yourself, I highly suggest this product. You won’t be dissapointed! Reminder: there is no THC in CBD products.

USE this code for 15% off on all Epic products: Horseglam

Face Tonic. THE BEST THING EVER! See, I really did take it to Mexico!!

I know you are probably thinking, “another subscription box review?” But have I yet mentioned this is my favorite box so far? Seriously, it is the first box where I have used all of the products fairly quickly instead of having them collect dust in my trunk. In other words, each product was useful! It is also the first box that has full sized items instead of sample sizes. I had zero expectations but was very pleasantly surprised when I opened the Giddy-Up Goodie Box. Let’s open it together!

The first thing you notice is the handy flyer pasted to the inside of the box. This colored sheet clearly details all of the items in the box, with a little description of each one. I actually really appreciated this and liked that it was the first thing that I saw. Now, on to the goodies!

Equine Edibles Candy Cane Mash. I was SOOO pumped to see this. The bag made a medium sized bucket full of minty-fresh mash. It was easy to mix – you actually poured the water directly into the bag, kneading it with your hands. With the chunks of peppermints and cinnamon flavors, it smelled delicious and I was momentarily jealous of Chloe. It made for a wonderful Christmas surprise for her – she licked the bucket clean!

Stirrup Covers from MantraLove. Not only do these covers protect your saddle from being scratched by your stirrups, but they look adorable and quickly slip on without any fuss. A year ago I had grey stirrups that would rub off on my saddle, leaving me with pasty looking residue. It was the worst! These would have been great for that. You can also use the covers to wipe off your stirrups before you slip them inside!

Bit Wash from Bit Butter. Wash and disinfect your bits with this convenient spray bottle from Bit Butter. Large enough to last you for at least a year, but small enough to fit easily into your trunk. It also is flavored with peppermint so your horse will thank you!

Quic Silver Shampoo. A full-size bottle of the infamous shampoo that intensifies and whitens your horse’s coat. I used to go through bottles of this stuff when I had a grey pony. This shampoo could get any stain out and have her coat gleaming. Chloe only has a small white spot so I gave the bottle to a barn friend that has a white gelding. Needless to say, she was very grateful!

Holiday Treats from Enjoy Yums. You can never ever have enough treats on hand at the barn and Enjoy Yums hooks you up with a large, super cute and handy gift bag full of tasty treats made of simple oats and rice bran.

Multiple purpose brush from HAAS. This waterproof, shatter resistant (yes, Chloe has stepped on my brushes before) brush from HAAS has dense silver bristles strong enough for use on mane/tails and legs/coats. Truthfully my brushes are looking a little ratchet so I really welcomed the opportunity to replace one in my grooming kit. It is really pretty as far as brushes go, so would make an excellent show kit brush too.

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As you can see, the contents of the box are all relevant, immediately useable, non-discipline specific and thoughtful. Usually with other box services there is at least one (usually more) item that I never open or use, but I was excited about each of these products.

So, let’s talk about price. I did the math and the total cost of each of these above items would be around $62 (note this does not necessarily include shipping) if you were purchasing on your own. The cost of the monthly subscription service is anywhere between $45 (12 month sign up) and $60 (a one time gig). No shipping fees on subscriptions. (There is also a $19 Mystery Box option which intrigues me, but let’s stay on topic here). Therefore, it is noticeably cheaper to go through Giddy-Up, but not quite as extreme as the NF.Edit Box. That being said, I personally would rather love and use everything in the box!

One big difference between Giddy-Up and the other boxes, is that Giddy-Up comes monthly instead of quarterly. I think this is pretty fun. I always love receiving any subscription box because it is like receiving a gift. I never know exactly what is going to be in there and how often do you get surprises like that anymore? Thanks Giddy-Up Goodies for a great Christmas surprise!

I am surrounded by filthy animals. Did you know that my pasture-mate actually rolls in mud? M.U.D. And she is a mare! I won’t even tell you what the geldings are doing, but I am sure you can picture what their blankets look like. How can those boys wear a blanket every day that is encrusted with dirt, mud and even poop? And usually not even their own poop!

Needless to say, you can imagine how happy I was to receive professional grade horse blanket wash/deodorizer and blanket water-repellant from Blanket Safe. Blanket Safe’s wash is completely detergent free, meaning that there are no chemicals used and no oily residues left behind to irritate my skin. This is fantastic news when you want to keep your coat from looking sun bleached. Blanket Safe wash is also low-sudsing which allows for easy rinsing and further protects even the most sensitive skinned horse.

Bonus for all you geldings out there (as well as my uncivilized pasture-mate): Blanket Safe is also antibacterial. Truthfully, a blanket doesn’t have to look disgusting to need antibacterial help. Pet odors start at the microscopic level! Yes, that big poop stain isn’t helping anything, but most odors are from mildew and mold and so even the cleanest looking blanket needs a wash. Blanket Safe’s antibacterial component helps destroy all this bacteria and resulting stinky odor. Additionally, for an extra kick, there is a deodorizer component with a light fresh lavender scent to it. It is VERY lightly scented, which I am grateful for because as a horse, my sense of smell is way stronger than a measly humans.

As you can see from the BEFORE pictures, someone must have borrowed my blankets and rolled in mud. I would never! My minions, Andrea and Jackie, took my 3 blankets, as well as around 12 other blankets from the barn, to the local laundromat to test out Blanket Safe. Let’s just say that when they went to the laundromat they had the blankets in the truck bed (away from their noses), but when they came back, all of the blankets were in the back seat. Andrea said there were no noticeable smells and she was amazed at how clean everything looked. This is important because I know they were overfilling some of the washers, meaning that Blanket Safe had to work extra hard to get some of those gelding blankets cleaned! Seriously, she should have taken a before picture of the other blankets because they were caked in mud.

They dried the blankets for only 10 minutes (delicate setting) so that they were damp when they took them back to the barn and hung them along the fence line. Then, they sprayed the blankets with the Blanket Safe water repellant spray. After shaking the bottle, you simply spray the repellant all over the outside of the blankets. Please note that it does not affect the breathability of the blanket. You may wonder why you need to add water repellant if the wash is detergent/chemical free. Almost all the major blanket companies recommend waterproofing your blanket at least every 2 years because environmental factors can ruin the waterproofability (is that a word?). Things like urine, poop, mud and even improper care, for instance, can ruin a blanket. After spraying the blankets, you let them air dry and that is it! Clean, water-repellant and ready for use! Thanks Blanket Safe for keeping a girl’s winter coats looking and smelling fresh!

Second skin is the perfect way to describe these moisture wicking leggings from LD Equestrian. Made of soft, four-way stretch and non-shrinking fabric, these leggings are both durable and very comfortable. The leggings have “zoned compression” around your glutes for extra support and optimum shaping, which I really appreciated when taking close-up pictures! These technical leggings also have two side pockets, each large enough for a cellphone, and a small, hidden pocket inside the waistband. The smaller pocket can fit a house-key, which is handy if you use them for running, like I did. Small rhinestones on the back of the leggings add an extra embellishment.

I loved the fit of these leggings. They are a bit tight going on, but once I managed to pull them up they fit me perfectly. As mentioned, there is zoned compression around your bottom, but honestly, I felt like this compression was everywhere (in a good way). The material is thin and cool for moisture wicking purposes, but when the leggings are on, they feel more substantial than you first think and you can’t help but feel confident in them. I really think this confidence comes across in my pictures.

PC: Shannen Smyth Photography

PC: Shannen Smyth Photography

The website says you can ride in them, and there are many pictures and testimonials where people love riding in these leggings, however, please note that they do not have knee patches. For some riders this may not matter, but for me, I prefer to ride in breeches or tights/leggings that have traditional knee patches. I loved the fabric and fit of these leggings so much, that I was really happy to see that they have breeches (with knee patch grips) made of the same or similar fabric.

I have gotten tons of compliments on this top. It is a fantastic combination of sporty and sexy! It is blousy in the front and ties in the back, perfectly giving you a peek at the rhinestones on the leggings. The top comes in 5 colors!

You really cannot beat the prices either. These ship from England but you can always catch big deals on their social media or website! In fact, both the leggings and the top are on a MAJOR sale right now! Let me know what you think!

It is always nice to be appreciated and recognized for the unicorn that you are. Bit N’ Bridle Boutique totally gets it. They get me. They sent me two charms that they felt had my name all over them. The cool thing about charms is that you can put them anywhere. I am going to put one on my C&C Signature leather halter. The other is going to go on my schooling bridle. If I wanted to be generous, I could share one with Andrea. She could put it on her key chain, a bookbag, a handbag or even on a bracelet. I am not feeling generous though.

Bit N’ Bridle Boutique took a brief break last year from selling charms, but as of this August they are back and ready to customize charms for you! Charms cost on average $8 and are an affordable way to add some personality to your conservative equestrian items. They are easy to remove, if needed, and store so easily in your tack trunk that you can collect as many as you want. Let’s face it, some days you are feeling like a pink sparkly unicorn and other days you are more of a silver shimmery mermaid, so it is nice to have options. I also think they would make fun gifts to your riding pals and at only $8 you don’t need to wait for a special reason to give them out.

Bit N’ Bridle Boutique posts their different charms on their Instagram page. You can order via their PayPal link on the Instagram page and just drop a note regarding which charm you want. I have the white Unicorn Tear Charm and the pink Mermaid Charm for reference. If you want a custom order, just shoot them a direct message. They have great customer service and will respond timely. Also, if you didn’t catch my Live video, you should also know that they have very cute packaging and even more importantly, they are giving all my followers 15% off their order with the coupon code CHLOE15. Happy shopping!

Everyone makes fun of me at the barn for my helmet visor(s) (or my “sombrero” as they like to call it). That’s fine. I like to think that all that laughing will just add to the wrinkles they are going to have from all their sun damage! But seriously, we all know that the skin of an equestrian takes a brutal beating from the weather. We are outside a lot: in the sun, in the wind, in the cold…usually without much shelter and for hours upon hours at any one time. I typically always have a baseball hat on when I am going to the barn or horse show, but sometimes you have to be wearing your helmet. The helmet visor fits onto your helmet so you can continue to protect your face from the sun.

Karina from The Hunt Eq knew I was searching for a new visor (mine was over 5 yrs old and had lost its velcro abilities) and she suggested the Soless Visor. This visor provides shade for the front and sides of your face/neck and is transparent, providing the rider with an unobstructed view. My last visor was straw and my view was way more limited. The transparent material also blocks 92% of UV rays, protecting much more of your skin than a typical straw or fabric visor.

The Soless is lightweight – about half the weight of my last visor. It has the same velcro design that I am used to and wraps around your helmet snuggly. However, the Soless comes with a little S- shaped clip that clips onto your helmet. This is definitely something my last visor was missing. I had to google a YouTube video demonstrating how use the clip because the first time I used it at my lesson, the visor flew off as soon as I started jumping! After watching the video and reattaching my helmet, it hasn’t flown off my head again. Ps: The clip is supposed to work with any brand of helmet (mine is Charles Owen).

Additionally, something I didn’t even know until I started to write this blog post, is that the visor can be worn directly on your head. I gave it a try and it was sort of big and flimsy, so I wouldn’t recommend using it without the helmet, but of course if it were your only option you could make it work (and protect your face). Or maybe my head is just very small!

I purchased the $45 version, but there is a more expensive version (that only works on your helmet) at $75. I actually didn’t know about the latter when I bought mine, but so far I am happy with mine. I will be sure to do an update!

If there is a tack store, two things are for certain: 1. I am going to go; and 2. I will end up in the consignment section. The latter part is amusing because the consignment section typically disappoints me, rarely having anything I want or need. For the most part, the clothes are horribly outdated and out of style. Often times they are stained and missing a button or something comparable. The horse gear is even worse. I am all for wanting to sell my used goods and make some money back, but I would never take a grimy white fleece saddle pad or dirty polo wraps (with even more dirt caked in the velcro) to consignment,… and I see both of these examples each and every time I shop consignment.

At TTE: LeFash for $85 ($215 retail); condition excellent

So needless to say, when I heard about The Tried Equestrian, I wasn’t expecting much. Then I found a pair of LeFash, barely worn, breeches and matching show shirt, each for 50% off, and I couldn’t click-through all the apparel, accessories, tack and other horse gear fast enough! My absolute favorite part about The Tried Equestrian is that they generally will not take any clothing that is over 3 years old, unless it is still fashionable.This is a consignment store that is committed to providing equestrians with current brands and products (i.e., clothes we actually want to wear) at prices that are affordable. They also are picky about what types of horse products they will take, opting not to sell things like the aforementioned saddle pads and polo wraps.

And all this amazingness is just from the consumer perspective! For the seller, The Tried Equestrian does all the hard stuff. They market for you, uploading your items on their sales website, taking your goods to pop up shows and posting pictures and doing shoutouts to their large social media following (18K on Insta!) for FREE. They also ship the package to the buyer for you, which is awesome because no one likes going to the post office. Their cut is 40% of the sales price, which is on par with most other tack consignment stores. Seems like a good deal considering The Tried Equestrian doesn’t just stick your item in the back room where it will collect dust.

Using clothes from The Tried Equestrian, I put an outfit together consisting of brands I haven’t tried because of their high cost. This look stars Callidae breeches (Stone; size 28R). The breeches actually still have the tags on them and are $150, compared to $395 on the Callidae website! Did you hear me, the breeches are brand new and still have their tags!! The Sakkara Equestrian polo (navy/white; size small) is also a steal at $66, compared to $110 on the Sakkara website. I hope someone gets to grab this outfit while it lasts! I know that the next time I want to buy something new, I will definitely first check to see what The Tried Equestrian has in stock!

Look at these unicorn inspired bows!!! This isn’t fair! I remember the days that I did Short Stirrup and I swear my braids were in a single strand of navy or hunger green ribbon! I can’t wait for Logan to actually have hair that can support a real bow! For all you pony mommas out there, you have to visit Gray & Co. Designs for the most unique and colorful bows!

At my comeback show, I was a bundle of nerves. To make matters worse, my right foot kept slipping out of the stirrup – something that had never really happened before. I kept picturing this occurring in the middle of my course and it was freaking me out. The rain and mud were not helping things, caking into the irons and making my boot soles and stirrup pads more slippery than normal. Luckily, after schooling at the show (where my foot again slipped out, causing Chloe to spook and fart simultaneously, LOL), I was texting with a friend and she told me about the Super Comfort Stirrup Pad by Millenium Equine Products. All the Eventing riders at her barn swore by them. I figured if it was good enough for riders galloping through jump combinations in 12 inches of water, then it was good enough for me!

Thanks to another friend (I have the best friends!), I was able to get these pads hours before I showed. I knew immediately by the looks of them that they were going to work. The textured, rubber surface of the pads encase the entire iron, gripping your foot securely into place. I popped my old pads out of my irons and easily attached these by using the 6 provided zip ties. I had a friend help me and it took less than 5 minutes – only required regular scissors (to cut the zip ties).

My foot hasn’t slipped since using these new pads. It was such a relief to be able to show Chloe knowing that my heels were securely in the irons!

Also worth mentioning is that the pads are supposed to decrease joint pain by reducing impact. I can’t really comment on this – it isn’t an issue I struggle with and I solely purchased the pads for their superior grip.

Sizing can be tricky. We measured my current irons and then went 1/2 size down because my stirrups are jointed. You can buy them HERE!

I see the bucket. I don’t need my nose dipped in, thank you. We all have been here. Whether it is at a horse show, recovering from an illness, going through a change in weather, at a rest stop while traveling, during a new barn or change in atmosphere, our owners will try to force a bucket of water on us.

You may know that Andrea and I were back in the show ring together after a 4 year hiatus. We went to a show in Camden, SC where it was nearly 90 degrees and muggy. This time, however, instead of trying to dunk my nose in the water like it was the first time I had ever seen someone fill a bucket, Andrea mixed Horse Quencher in my water. After a taste, I actually hoped she would dunk my head in like old times. I drank 3/4 of the bucket in a matter of minutes.

Horse Quencher is a mix of all natural grains and flavorings that taste amazing when added to water. The all natural ingredients are found in most all horse feeds, so it is competition safe. All the horses at my show barn use this at shows daily to make sure that they get enough water to avoid dehydration and aid in recovery of muscles. Horse Quencher is also safe to use in conjunction with electrolytes, and in fact, it is highly recommended.

Horse Quencher boasts a 99% success rate in terms of getting horses to drink their water, so if you are up for a challenge, tell your owner to give it a try HERE. Single dose servings are also available if you want to test it out first. For a sample, click HERE.

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